Il Luogo is a good choice for dining out along Sunrise Highway in Lynbrook. (Credit: Newsday / Peter Gianotti)

Actor Joseph R. Gannascoli is best known for his portrayal of the doomed, gay mobster Vito Spatafore in "The Sopranos." Now, he has a new but familar role. On Tuesdays, the amiable Gannascoli, who was a cook before he became an actor, performs in the kitchen at Il Luogo in Lynbrook. He makes specials. Last night, they included a soulful dish of cavatelli with pork ribs, ricotta and ricotta...

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Actor Joseph R. Gannascoli is best known for his portrayal of the doomed, gay mobster Vito Spatafore in "The Sopranos."

Now, he has a new but familar role.

On Tuesdays, the amiable Gannascoli, who was a cook before he became an actor, performs in the kitchen at Il Luogo in Lynbrook.

He makes specials. Last night, they included a soulful dish of cavatelli with pork ribs, ricotta and ricotta salata; and plump sea scallops in a spirited red-pepper sauce. The two make you wish for reruns.

When not in the kitchen, Gannascoli may be seen greeting diners and sometimes visiting them tableside.

Gannascoli lives in East Rockaway, so this is a very local job. Check to see what he'll be creating next week.

Also: the regular menu, under executive chef Marco Jara, is very good, too.

Il Luogo, 159 Sunrise Hwy., Lynbrook; 516-837-9015.

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